For many people the start of the fall season signals a time for new beginnings, from the start of a new school year to a fresh start at work after a relaxing summer holiday. But for a particular set, the fall season also marks the beginning of another important event: the return of all things pumpkin spice.

But in recent years, some have begun to wonder if our collective love for pumpkin-flavoured drinks and snacks has gone too far.

For example, this year Starbucks' famous pumpkin spice latte was introduced in the U.S. on Aug. 25, nearly a whole month before the actual start of fall. The drink 鈥� which many credit with driving the pumpkin spice trend 鈥� has legions of fans, its own hashtag ()  and a with more than 91,000 followers.

And even though the autumn-themed drink was available in the thick of summer this year, this has not curbed excitement online for the sweet and spicy beverage. Since its debut, Twitter and Instagram users have posted #PSL selfies and close up shots of Starbucks cups containing the drink.



The pumpkin spice trend has become so popular that several other companies have also started offering their own pumpkin-flavoured fare.

Tim Hortons and McDonalds both offer a wide array of pumpkin treats from Pumpkin Pie iced cappuccinos to pumpkin spice muffins and doughnuts.

And later this month, food giant Nabisco will be debuting a pumpkin spice Oreo cookie, according to multiple media reports.

The cookie will be a spin off the classic Oreo cookie, with white cookies sandwiching an orange-hued cream filling. And although the biscuit has not yet hit shelves, it's already creating a buzz online.

But pumpkin spice season has also spawned some haters, most of whom mock the hype surrounding the various snacks and drinks, as well as this year's early release of the Starbucks' drink.

And as for the negativity, it turns out it doesn't faze @TheRealPSL: